Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Chromebooks and BYOD for 2017-2018 School Year

Holliston High is excited to begin Stage 2 of our one-to-one Chromebook program. Chromebooks are low-cost, cloud-centric laptops that allow students and teachers to participate in collaborative, interactive, digital learning experiences. We have seen tremendous success with our Chromebook program during the first year, and are looking forward to expanding the program in 2017-2018.

Grade 9

HHS will provide a Chromebook device to all students in Grade 9. There is no annual fee for this Chromebook; however, we strongly recommend that families purchase the optional insurance plan for $40*, which protects against accidental damage. Chromebooks for freshmen will be ready for pickup at the 9th Grade Orientation event on Wednesday, August 23rd, providing that the Chromebook Insurance/Waiver Form is turned in by the deadline. Otherwise, Chromebooks will be available during the first week of school once the form is completed and turned in.

Grade 10

HHS will provide a Chromebook device to all students in Grade 10. Whenever possible, students will receive the same Chromebook that they returned in the spring. There is no annual fee for the Chromebook; however, we strongly recommend that families purchase the optional insurance plan for $40*, which protects against accidental damage. Chromebooks for sophomores will be ready for pickup in Advisory on the first day of school.

Every Grade 10 studentis required to complete and return a Chromebook Insurance/Waiver formto HHS byWednesday, August 23rd.Sophomores who do not submit their form by the due date may not receive their Chromebook on the first day of school.

Grade 11

Juniors will continue to have the option to “opt out” of Chromebook use. Whenever possible, students who “opted in” last year and were issued Chromebooks in 2016-2017 will receive the same Chromebook that they returned in the spring. For families who chose to opt out last year, we will extend your “opt out” decision and previously signed paperwork again this year. However, if you have changed your mind and would like to “opt in”, you can request to be issued a Chromebook from the limited supply that we have left (first-come, first-served). There is no annual fee for the Chromebook; however, we strongly recommend that families purchase the optional insurance plan for $40*, which protects against accidental damage. Chromebooks for juniors will be ready for pickup in Advisory on the first day of school.

For 11th Graders Only: Only those 11th Grade studentsrequesting Chromebooks are required to complete and return aChromebook Insurance/Waiver formtoHHS byWednesday, August 23rd, in order to have the Chromebook ready and available for the first day of school.

Note on the “opt out” program: Juniors who chose to opt out last year and are continuing to choose to opt out this year do not need to complete a form. However, these students and families must understand that choosing to opt out reflects an agreement to bring a laptop (not a smartphone or tablet) to school everyday. If this is not possible, please consider requesting a Chromebook instead.

Grade 12

Seniors will continue the BYOD program, and will be expected to bring their own personal laptop to school everyday. Seniors who borrowed Chromebooks as Juniors in 2016-2017 may request the same Chromebook again for 2017-2018. Students without a personal laptop to bring can request a Chromebook from the limited supply that we have left (first-come, first-served). There is no annual fee for the Chromebook; however, we strongly recommend that families purchase the optional insurance plan for $40*, which protects against accidental damage. Chromebooks for seniors will be ready for pickup in the library during the first week of school.

Seniors requesting Chromebooks must complete and return aChromebook Insurance/Waiver formto HHS byWednesday, August 23rd, in order to have the Chromebook ready and available for the first day of school.

Form Due Dates

In order to have the Chromebooks ready for Freshman Orientation (for grade 9) and the first day of school (for grades 10-12), please submit your form and optional insurance check by the following due dates.